The Billionaire's Ruthless Vow

Rhea’s POV The hum of the city buzzed through my apartment window as I stood by the glass, watching the sunset drown the skyline in gold. It was my favorite time—the pause between chaos and calm. Yet, today, calm felt out of reach. Tomorrow, my whole world was going to change, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready. I sipped the lukewarm coffee I’d forgotten on the kitchen counter. In just 24 hours, I’d be stepping into the world of Orion Enterprises, not as an intern, but as Cassian Vale’s new assistant. The man whose name sent ripples through the business world and left women breathless at parties. Billionaire, genius, untouchable. When I got the job offer last week, my heart had flipped. But the excitement was tangled with nerves. Cassian Vale was an enigma—powerful and intense, and rumored to be impossible to read. Everyone said he kept people at arm’s length. No one really knew the man behind the empire. I reminded myself that I was here on my own merit. I was no charity case. Years of grinding through freelance jobs, late nights, and endless rejections had brought me to this moment. I wasn’t going to let a reputation scare me off. My phone buzzed on the counter, snapping me out of my thoughts. A message from my best friend, Leah: “You got this. Just don’t let him intimidate you.” I smiled, grateful for the reminder. Turning away from the window, I pulled out the sleek black card that had arrived with the offer letter. The “Vale Private Access” card. It felt surreal holding it—the key to a world I’d only dreamed about. Suddenly, the phone rang. Caller ID said ‘Unknown.’ I hesitated but answered. “Rhea Maxwell?” The voice was low, confident. “Yes, speaking.” “This is Cassian Vale. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.” My breath caught. That was it. The game had started. --- Cassian’s POV There was a precise rhythm to my life, every second accounted for in my carefully constructed empire. But the moment I decided to hire Rhea Maxwell, I knew it would all change.She was different. Not just another starry-eyed assistant desperate to climb the ladder. Something in her quiet confidence piqued my interest. I needed someone sharp, loyal, and fearless. I wasn’t used to letting anyone in, but maybe it was time to take a risk. I scanned through her resume again, impressed not just by her credentials but the fire beneath her polished exterior. She had worked harder than most to get here, and that kind of grit was rare. My office was quiet now, the city lights flickering beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The invitation I sent her, the black card with “Vale Private Access,” was more than a symbol—it was a test. Tomorrow, she would walk into this tower, and everything would be different. I intended to keep her on her toes. The phone call was brief but deliberate. Letting her hear my voice first—establishing that I was the one calling the shots. I wasn’t prepared for the subtle catch in her breath, but that only made me want to see more. --- Rhea’s POV The next morning, I stood before the massive glass doors of Orion Enterprises, my heart pounding like a drum. The lobby was a cathedral of steel and marble, humming with the energy of suits and secrets.I clutched my black card tightly, feeling the weight of expectation. Security scanned it, and the doors parted with a silent whoosh. I was in. Cassian’s office was on the top floor—the pinnacle of the city, the pinnacle of power. When I arrived, he was already there, standing by the window, back to me. “Rhea,” he said without turning. “Welcome.” His voice was calm, but the power behind it was undeniable. I swallowed hard and stepped forward. “Thank you, Mr. Vale. I’m ready to get started.” He finally turned, eyes sharp as obsidian, appraising. “Good. I don’t tolerate mistakes.” I met his gaze steadily. “Neither do I.” For a moment, the air between us crackled with something unspoken. Respect? Challenge? Attraction? Maybe all three. --- Cassian’s POV Watching her stand there—so composed, yet fierce—I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. I needed to test her limits, push her in ways others wouldn’t dare. “Your first task,” I said, pulling out a dossier. “Research the BlackCard Initiative. It’s confidential. I want a detailed report by tomorrow.” She nodded, already reaching for the files. That fire in her eyes told me she would deliver. As she left, I couldn’t help but wonder how far she was willing to go—and what I’d be willing to risk for someone like her. —Rhea’s POV Back at my apartment, the dossier lay open on the table. The BlackCard Initiative was more than a project—it was a labyrinth of corporate espionage and innovation that could change everything. I spent hours pouring over documents, piecing together clues. Every revelation made the stakes feel higher, and my connection to Cassian more complicated. Was he just a ruthless CEO, or was there something beneath the surface—something that might save him from the darkness he hid? As the city lights flickered outside my window, I knew this was only the beginning. --- Cassian’s POV Late into the night, I found myself staring at the skyline, thinking about Rhea. Her presence was a disruption, but also a clarity I hadn’t expected. I was a man who controlled everything—except maybe the way she made my chest tighten with every glance. Tomorrow would test us both. The BlackCard Initiative wasn’t just business—it was a battlefi eld. And she was about to be thrown into the war. The question was—would we survive it?